章 27: A Night of Reflection and Departure, 27.

"Everything is almost perfect," Aster said aloud, his eyes scanning the entire environment.

That part of the restaurant had been transformed into a romantic setting filled with charming details.

Delicately arranged candles spread a soft and welcoming light; illuminating the tables adorned with flower arrangements: white lilies and two-tone roses, ranging in shades from tea to soft pink. Creating an even more intense romantic atmosphere.

Sitting at the table, Aster felt immersed in a romantic movie, while Callum seemed like an elegant gentleman plucked from the pages of an ancient book. He almost smiled at these extravagant thoughts.

Callum noticed Aster's evident excitement and asked, "Hey, did you like it?"

Aster hesitated for a moment, averting his gaze, before responding softly, "Yes, everything looks beautiful here. It feels like a movie set."

Callum raised an eyebrow, a slight sign of concern crossing his perfect face. "Is something wrong, Aster?"

Aster played with the napkin on his lap, carefully choosing his words. "Well, it's just that... we're here alone in a private area of the restaurant. It's a very romantic gesture on your part."

Callum furrowed his brow, looking puzzled. "And is that a problem?"

Aster sighed, appearing slightly uncomfortable. "No, it's not a problem; it's just that...

Callum pursed his lips, trying to find the right words. "Aster, I... I don't want our intimacy to be exposed to everyone."

Callum looked at Aster with a deep gaze, processing his words. He took Aster's hand that was on the table and gently squeezed it, leaving a trace of fragrance that seemed to envelop them.

"I want to be with you," Callum said sincerely. "And I don't want you to continue working."

Aster looked at Callum curiously. "Why are you saying this?" he asked, with a slight smile on his lips.

Callum smiled back with a glimmer in his eyes. "Because I'm your Alpha," he replied with conviction.

Aster felt a mix of emotions in his chest. He knew this path wouldn't be easy and that there were destinies and purposes; involved. "I don't know if this will work," he thought to himself.

"You already had your purpose set, and I had mine," Aster continued, reflecting. "I understand that the new generates curiosity and can create a sense of longing. Part of me wants you to miss me, but I don't want to be selfish. And I don't expect you to do the same."

Callum nodded, absorbing Aster's words as he continued expressing his opinion. "We're not at the last steps of life, but rather at the beginning of a possible ascent," he said, with a hopeful tone. "Now, everything around us is noisy. There was nothing between the two of us, and now..."

Callum smiled and agreed. "I accept your concept, the meaning you bring, and the direction we're heading. I'm saying that I want this, not just believe my words."

Aster looked into Callum's eyes and responded with determination: "My existence and the things I experience have meaning to me. How can I forget my efforts and everything I've built so far?"

While Aster and Callum enjoyed their romantic dinner, backstage in the private kitchen of the restaurant, an atmosphere of heated discussions began to form. The chefs and kitchen assistants, busy skillfully preparing the dishes, exchanged quick words and confused expressions. Some whispered quietly, while others spoke loudly about the presence of the mysterious omega accompanying the powerful Mr. Callum Campbell.

"Who is that omega?" whispered a chef, raising an eyebrow with curiosity. "Definitely not Callum's fiancée, Clarice Phillips."

While the discussions continued backstage, the staff kept an eye on the movements of Callum and Aster, trying to catch any clues or gestures that could reveal the truth about the unusual relationship unfolding before their eyes.

While Callum and Aster enjoyed their romantic dinner, unaware of the events backstage at the restaurant, a growing tension hung at the doors of the place. The discreetly positioned security guards exchanged concerned looks as rumors about the photographers spread.

One of the security guards approached Callum cautiously, "Mr. Callum, we have a situation," the guard whispered. "There are photographers positioned outside the restaurant, waiting for a moment of exposure."

Callum's eyes narrowed with concern. He knew that the presence of the photographers was an imminent threat to his personal life and Clarice's image. After all, the media had always been eager for any information about the perfect couple's relationship.

Aster noticed the sudden change in Callum's expression and thought about asking if something had happened.

Callum discussed the situation with confidence, making it clear that the presence of the photographers could be detrimental not only to them but also to Clarice's image, his ex-fiancée.

Aster, though surprised, noticed Callum's genuine concern in protecting Clarice's reputation. This revelation made Aster ponder about a perfect temporary escape, as the circumstances were in his favor.

In a moment of impulse, Aster requested a moment to go to the restroom. But, as he got up, he placed the napkin on the right side of the table.

Aster walked towards the restroom, feeling a mix of emotions. He knew it was the perfect time to have a problem with Callum, it was time to withdraw—the opportunity to start well and end badly presented itself before him.

While walking through the restaurant's corridors, Aster reflected on his position in Callum's life. He felt like Camilla Parker Bowles in a Mexican soap opera, involved in a plot full of drama and twists. Did Callum and the security guard think he was deaf? Their only concern seemed to be Callum and his fiancée's image.

Meanwhile, Aster's thoughts oscillated between humor and perplexity. He wondered if he was living in a peculiar version of a Latin melodrama, where he was the secondary character dealing with other people's love difficulties.

Aster let out a sigh and shook his head, finding some comic relief in the situation. He never imagined that his life would become such a complicated and twist-filled plot.

Suddenly, he was discreetly approached—by one of Callum's security guards, who questioned him about his unusual departure.

The security guard looked at Aster with an inquisitive gaze; and said, "Sorry, sir, but your departure is unusual, leaving the table like this. Is there a problem?"

Aster lowers his head, revealing teary eyes, and responds with a low and tense voice, "Mr. Callum Campbell shouldn't be seen with me. It's for the good of his fiancée and his reputation."

The security guard is momentarily surprised by Aster's response, his gaze softens, and he appears understanding, realizing that the young omega has been dismissed. He nods in agreement and says, "I understand. Your departure is better for the situation. Don't worry, there won't be any problems."

Aster thanks the security guard with a sad smile and walks away, continuing on his path. Inside, he feels a mixture of relief and disappointment for having to pretend sadness, but he knows it's necessary to maintain his strained relationship with Callum.

As Aster walked through the bustling city streets at night, he marveled at the unique atmosphere surrounding the people around him. Vibrant lights from signs and shop windows illuminated the darkness, creating a stunning nighttime landscape. Men and women elegantly dressed for the occasion, wearing sophisticated and shining outfits, confidently strolled along the sidewalks. Party dresses, impeccable suits, and sparkling jewelry added a touch of glamour to the nocturnal setting.

The facial expressions of the people portrayed the diversity of emotions the city embraced. Some smiled and engaged in lively conversations, sharing moments of joy and relaxation. Others, with serious and focused looks, demonstrated their dedication to work and the goals they sought to achieve. Groups of friends laughed loudly, enjoying the night at bars and restaurants, while couples in love embraced and exchanged meaningful glances.

Aster also noticed the presence of street performers, talented musicians who captivated passersby with captivating melodies. Their performances filled the air with a magical and contagious atmosphere, adding an artistic touch to the city's nightlife.

The nighttime scenery offered a fascinating color palette. The city lights reflected on people's faces, creating a play of shadows and highlighting their unique features. Carefully groomed hair, elegant makeup, and vibrant expressions composed a true visual symphony.

Amidst the hustle and frenzy of the nightlife, Aster felt like a privileged observer, absorbing all the energy and beauty of that scenery. It was a showcase of human diversity, a visual spectacle that made him reflect on his place in that constantly moving city.

Aster realized that the world around him had its own dynamics and social structures. A blend of power and submission, where sex was seen as a tool of manipulation and control over human instincts, was part of a complex game. This reality contrasted with his essence, shaped by his training as a security agent and his ability to handle pressures and responsibilities.

However, even without fully mastering the intricacies of that world, Aster was aware of the facts and forces shaping the society around him. His adaptability and self-control were his weapons in that environment, built over years of experience in high-risk situations and the responsibility to protect lives and pursue criminals.

While Callum remained inexplicably silent in the elevator, the engulfing silence was almost deafening. His serious face and the absence of any visible emotion made it clear the impact of Aster's sudden departure.

As the elevator doors closed, Callum struggled to process everything that was happening. A sense of emptiness settled in his chest, leaving him helpless in the face of Aster's absence.

A feeling of loss and helplessness enveloped him. Callum couldn't understand why Aster left him without any explanation. He questioned whether he could have done something differently if his words or actions were misunderstood.